Spasticity is a condition where certain muscles become stiff, tight, and hard to control because of disrupted signals from the brain or spinal cord. It is not a disease itself but a symptom that happens in conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury. The stiffness can range from mild tightness to severe spasms that limit daily activities.
The underlying cause is damage to the parts of the nervous system that regulate normal muscle tone. Instead of smooth, controlled movements, the muscles remain in a state of over-activity. This over-tightening can interfere with posture, movement, and even speech or self-care, depending on which muscles are affected.
Symptoms include stiffness, muscle spasms, exaggerated reflexes, and difficulty moving or stretching the affected limbs. For some people, spasticity causes pain or cramps, while for others it mainly makes walking or using the arms and hands more difficult. If untreated, it can lead to joint problems, contractures, or skin issues from poor mobility.
Treatment focuses on improving comfort and mobility. Options include stretching exercises, physical and occupational therapy, oral medications that relax muscles, or injections such as Botox into the stiff muscles. In more severe cases, special pumps can deliver medicine directly into the spinal fluid for better control. With the right combination of therapies, many people see improvement in their movement, independence, and overall quality of life.
Providing specialized neurological and pain management care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Sader combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes.
